Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Kyle Austin • February 18, 2019
Imagine leaving the comfort of friends and family...
Imagine leaving the comfort of home and family to fly 5,000 miles away to a completely new place and culture. You get off the plane and are greeted by a stranger who drives you to the new university and drops you off. You find yourself all alone on this new campus and town. You slowly find your way around and navigate the slight language barrier of those who speak English so fluently. You are far away from home, family, and friends. It is scary and lonely but you are in America to get your education that you have dreamed about.
Who are you? One of 1,094,782 international students who come to America to study. Place yourself in their shoes. How wold you be feeling right now? What would be going through your mind? How would you want those around you to respond and treat you?
The international student population has increased to a record high for the 12th straight year in a row. There are students from all parts of the world walking around next to you on campus from every imaginable background. Do not ignore or overlook these students! Take the time to introduce yourself and be friendly. Offer to help the student with any questions or navigate the campus or town. Ask questions to learn about their family, culture, faith, likes, dislikes, etc. In return share about your family, American culture, idioms, your faith, etc.
We have been told that a very common complaint of students who come to America to study and return back home is they never had the opportunity to be in an American home. Many of these young people really want to discover Americans and what life is all about here. Take the time to invest into these students to make them feel at home while they are so far away from home.
How should you treat these students? The same way you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes?
When you think about the Lord, what is He owed?
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In following Jesus, we accept a gift unlike any other.
What is Mentorship?
Bible Studies are always Available!
The importance of never assuming.
Suggestions They Might Think.
The Dangers of Being an Almost Christian.
What Is the Mission?
There are various ways to communicate the Gospel to people. There is not a set 1-2-3 method. We will walk through one method that has proven to be extremely effective and easy to remember. After we ask our spiritual discovery question of, "If you died today, where would you go?” typical responses will be something like: “I hope Heaven.” “I think Heaven.” “I’m not really sure.” “Can I really know?” “You can’t really be sure.” From there you can ask permission once again and follow with one of these questions: “Can I show you how you can know 100% for sure you can go to Heaven from the Bible?” “Do you mind if I show you what the Bible says about that?” “Do you have a few minutes for me to show you how to receive the gift of eternal life?” If they answer yes, they have given you permission to share the Gospel. Use the Bible and walk through the gospel. Allow the person to see and read the scriptures for themselves. It is helpful to mark your Bible with the following verses by highlighting the verse and then writing the next verse on the page somewhere so you know where to go next. Memorize and know these verses inside and out.